Hi loyal readers... I have some great news for ITEXPO West 2010 in Los Angeles - the first show hotel room block at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites is sold out. Paid registrations are also tracking 4 times ahead of last year so far which bodes very well for the show. I will begin to post more information about the show as it only 53 days away now.

As a reminder please book travel as soon as you can to reduce costs... Airfares in some cases have been rising quite quickly due to reduced capcity and a slight uptick in travel.

I haven't a clue what the economic climate will be like in Los Angeles and whether there will be other events which cause air travel to the west coast in seven weeks but I want to make sure you don't overpay.

Also, my team is exploring alternate hotels and room blocks at the moment and I will post details as soon as a new one is selected.

And yes, I am aware there a gazillion ways to book travel inexpensively - after all TMC shares its HQ in the same building as Priceline. But, keep in mind that networking is a key part of going to live events and impromptu meetings at a conference can oftentimes be more important than those you schedule.

And you really reduce the chance of impromptu meetings if your hotel is in Timbuktu or you are the only person in your field staying there.

Hi loyal readers... I have some great news for ITEXPO West 2010 in Los Angeles - the first show hotel room block at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites is sold out. Paid registrations are also tracking 4 times ahead of last year so far which bodes very well for the show. I will begin to post more information about the show as it only 53 days away now.

As a reminder please book travel as soon as you can to reduce costs... Airfares in some cases have been rising quite quickly due to reduced capcity and a slight uptick in travel.

I haven't a clue what the economic climate will be like in Los Angeles and whether there will be other events which cause air travel to the west coast in seven weeks but I want to make sure you don't overpay.

Also, my team is exploring alternate hotels and room blocks at the moment and I will post details as soon as a new one is selected.

And yes, I am aware there a gazillion ways to book travel inexpensively - after all TMC shares its HQ in the same building as Priceline. But, keep in mind that networking is a key part of going to live events and impromptu meetings at a conference can oftentimes be more important than those you schedule.

And you really reduce the chance of impromptu meetings if your hotel is in Timbuktu or you are the only person in your field staying there.